Ruth Spence, a long-time resident of the Salmon Arm area, passed away on April 12, 2011 at Hillside Village in her 93rd year.
Born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Ruth’s parents and nine siblings moved to a farm near Burton on the Arrow Lakes, where they spent most of their early years. She completed high school in Nakusp, enjoying a 3 year stay with Rose and Walter Wright, with whom she became close friends.
Ruth often recalled trips in the wheelhouse of the paddlewheeler “Minto” with Captain Wright. After high school, Ruth moved to Trail with two sisters and a brother, where she attended business college and later worked in the offices of the smelter. It was in Trail where she met and married her husband Eugene. After brief stays in Vancouver and Sicamous, the couple and their young family settled in Salmon Arm, where they remained for most of their later years.
Ruth was dedicated to the health and happiness of her family. She had a strong interest in healthy eating and living, and worked diligently to apply the latest information in her garden and kitchen. She was a master of logistics, whether lining up supplies for a 3 week remote camping trip or planning the winter’s supply of frozen and preserved foods. She loved everything about the outdoors, including camping, hiking, fishing, skiing and golf. She also enjoyed music, taking piano lessons after her family had grown, and could be heard whistling a tune at every opportunity. She and husband Gene were regulars at Old Time Dance Club sessions.
Ruth is survived by her son Gary (Joan) of Salmon Arm, son Howard (Jeanne) of Coquitlam, daughter Anita of Revelstoke, son Stewart (Brenda) of Salmon Arm and son Colin (Julia) of Nelson, as well as one granddaughter, four grandsons and two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers Bill, Carl, Lawrence, Albert, Wilfred and Robert, and sisters Clara, Laura, and Gertrude, and parents John and Wilhelmina Bredy.
Sincerest thanks are extended to the caregivers at Hillside Village in Salmon Arm, who showed great care and compassion for Ruth in her final days. The family also greatly appreciates the thoughtful care provided by her physician Dr. Warren Bell.
The family will hold a private celebration of Ruth’s life and respectfully asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers and cards.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129, EMAIL condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.net.